Groundwater rises by 1.52 metres in AP

TNN | Updated: Sep 16, 2016, 6:30 IST

HYDERABAD: The groundwater table in Andhra Pradesh recorded a sharp increase thanks to the good monsoon rains thus far. The current spell of heavy rains has further stabilised the water table in the state. Only Srikakulam and Nellore districts recorded deficit rainfall. According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the groundwater table increased from 12.11 metres below the ground level (bgl) in May to 10.63 metres bgl on September 13. The average increase in the water table was 1.52 metres. Guntur district topped the list with steep increase in the groundwater table. The level improved to 6.41 metres bgl from 12.05 metres bgl in May. Region wise, Rayalaseema reported 0.53 metres increase from 15.10 metres bgl to 14.57 metres bgl, while coastal Andhra registered increase in water table from 10.78 metres bgl to 8.89 metres bgl. The state government recorded the groundwater table through 1259 piezometers. The state claimed that development of 73,970 tanks under Panta Sanjavani program has led to the unprecedented increase in groundwater levels. One in every four farmers in the state depends on groundwater table for irrigation. "Restoration of tanks is giving encouraging results. This is evident from the increase in the groundwater table," said AP irrigation minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao. Groundwater in Narayanagiri Gardens in Tirumala is available at a depth of only 0.23 metres bgl, followed by Jupadu and Lakkasagaram in Kurnool district where groundwater is available at a depth of 0.70 metres bgl.

Groundwater in Anantapur is available at 20.31 metres bgl and in Prakasam at 17.16 metres bgl. AP received 423.4 mm rainfall from June 1 to September 14, against normal rainfall of 467.4 mm. Agricultural activity has been taken up on 34.32 lakh hectares against the total ayacut of 35.51 lakh hectares.